Duke loses appeal over allotment plans

Land used for allotments in west London has been spared from redevelopment after a "David versus Goliath battle".

The Duke of Northumberland had appealed against Hounslow Council's decision to refuse plans to bulldoze Park Road Allotments in Isleworth to make room for flats.

The appeal was rejected by the Planning Inspectorate.

Northumberland Estates said the appeal decision was "disappointing" and it would take time to consider its options.

The row began over the estate's plans to build 90 flats on the site, which is part of the duke's Grade I-listed Syon Park estate.

The proposals had received more than 900 objections from locals.

Hounslow Council rejected the plans in October 2021.

Labour councillor Salman Shaheen said the dismissal of the appeal was the "culmination of a David versus Goliath fight to save Park Road allotment from the Duke of Northumberland bulldozers".

"I'm very grateful to the planning inspector for siding with Hounslow Council in its correct decision to preserve local open space and these allotments of the community, " he said.

The council's decision to reject the proposals, as upheld by the appointed inspector John Longmuir, was due to potential harm to local open space, heritage sites and allotments.

Park Road Allotments campaigner, Grace Gray, said it was "absolutely amazing" that the council's decision had been upheld.

"It's wonderful for Isleworth," she said.

"Heritage doesn't just sit in brick and mortar. This [Park Road Allotments] is absolute heritage."

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